
Rechelle Dennis Talks Working With Family, Burnout & Girls United Disruptor Summit

When a Black woman dreams, she dreams big, and Rechelle Dennis is no exception. As the co-creator of Essence Girls United, a Gen-Z platform, it’s clear she’s focused not just on sustaining the platform’s success but also on taking it to new heights through partnerships, innovative programs, or fresh ways to engage and uplift the community.
Her vision is all about creating more impactful opportunities for young Black women to thrive, which is also a vision she shares with her sister and co-worker, Sophia.
Sister, Sister
We love a good sister duo, and Rechelle’s working relationship with Sophia is the perfect example of how to keep family first while building something amazing. I couldn’t help but ask her what it’s like to work so closely with her sister—because, let’s face it, business and family can get tricky. Rechelle gives xoNecole the tea on how they make it work, keep things fun, and maintain that special bond.
“Sophia and I are very different but very similar at the same time. We're both very strong-headed. Sophia is definitely the more creative and outgoing one, while I am very much of a workaholic," Rechelle tells us. "I'm very reserved when you meet me, but once you get to know me and the layers come off, you're gonna think I'm insane in a good way."
She continues, "It's like any relationship. You understand what their strengths and weaknesses are, and then you just lean into that. You just meet people where they're at and find a way to work with each other and to where everybody is or feels like they're bringing the best to whatever it is you're building or doing. We’re also able to challenge each other and come knowing that we're both trying to get to the best possible outcome."
Staying Grounded and Self-Care Vibes
We know that life can get real busy, and as a self-proclaimed workaholic, Rechelle juggles a lot. Balancing work, family, and personal time is a challenge many of us face, as burnout can happen. Rechelle shares some of her go-to practices for avoiding burnout and making sure she stays centered in her hectic schedule.
“How do I avoid burnout? I've been asking myself a lot lately. Burnout is something that happens to everybody, and I feel like I've never really addressed it. I think that's also something that I'm still learning myself because that's how I'm wired, is to always be on," she explains.
"What I've realized and what I've done more is having more of that internal dialogue with myself and putting the phone down. TikTok is gonna wait. Instagram is gonna wait. You just gotta soak in your bath and maybe text your friend. It sounds kind of toxic, but not talking to anybody."
She continues, "I'm very clear when I know my social battery is exhausted. I know when it's time for me to leave a party or an event. I also know when to make space when I have to go to an event. I'm going to just sit in my room quietly and then prepare for this. I think it's also just about knowing yourself and knowing when to Irish exit. It's really important to know yourself or just spend time getting to know yourself.”
Gearing Up for What’s Next
With Saturday’s Girls United Disruptor Summit around the corner, the excitement is real. “I think the goal is, as always, continuing to strengthen and pour into our community and provide as much value as possible," she says.
The summit also provides mentorship opportunities for young Black women and professionals in various industries. "It's giving people those opportunities, the ability to live their wildest dreams, and step into that next era," she says.
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Feature image by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Laterras R. Whitfield On What He Wants In A 'Future Wifey' & Redefining Masculinity
In this week's episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker chopped it up with Laterras R. Whitfield, host of the Dear Future Wifey podcast, for a raw and revealing conversation about personal growth, faith, and the search for love in a way that resonates.
Laterras Whitfield Believes Men Should Pursue, Not Persuade
“Let me know you exist, and I’ll do the rest”
Whitfield is a big advocate of a man’s role in going confidently for the woman he wants. “Men should pursue, not persuade, and women should present, not pursue,” he said. He’s open to meeting women on social media but isn’t a fan of bold approaches. “Don’t shoot your shot at me. … Let me know you exist, and I’ll do the rest.”
His ideal woman?
“She has to be a woman of God… I judge a woman by how her friends see her… and most importantly, how she treats my kids.”
Infidelity, Redemption, and the Power of Self-Control
“Being disciplined is the most beautiful thing you can offer”
Once unfaithful in his previous marriage, Whitfield has since transformed his perspective on masculinity. “Being disciplined is the most beautiful thing you can offer. That’s what true masculinity is to me now.” He has also committed to abstinence, choosing self-control as a defining trait of manhood.
Whitfield’s journey is one of redemption, purpose, and faith—something that speaks to women who value emotional intelligence, accountability, and the power of transformation.
Rewriting the Narrative Around Black Masculinity
What masculinity, legacy, and healing mean to Whitfield today
“My dad taught me what not to be [as a man] and my mom taught me what she needed [in a man],” Whitfield said. While his father wasn’t abusive, he wasn’t emotionally or affectionately present. “Since I didn’t see it, I never got it either… I would look at my dad and say, ‘I want to be a better father.’ ”
Adoption had always been on his spirit, influenced by TV shows like Different Strokes and Punky Brewster. This mindset led him to take in his nephew as his son after a powerful dream confirmed what he already felt in his heart.
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Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Transforming Your Space On Any Budget: Tyka Pryde Is Redefining Interior Design With Her New BET Her Show
Tyka Pryde is no stranger to transformation. With over a decade of design experience and credits on shows like Queer Eye and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the award-winning creative has now stepped into the spotlight with her very own series, Design My Space Tyka Pryde, on BET Her.
The show, BET Her’s first-ever interior design and home renovation series, goes beyond simple aesthetics. Yes, there are bold textures, rich colors, and jaw-dropping reveals—but it’s the emotional storytelling that really sets this series apart.
“There’s a whole other facet to the show that is a lot about human transformation and helping people through tough times,” Tyka shared. “We had a four-time cancer survivor, people in recovery, and folks going through family issues. So, there’s a lot of tears and heart behind the homes.”
From PA to Powerhouse
Tyka didn’t come from a design school background—instead, she got her start as a production assistant on a home makeover show, learning everything on the job. That hands-on experience, along with her work on Queer Eye, helped her hone her collaborative skills and appreciate the emotional impact of design.
“I didn’t really realize it before, but when you see someone come into their newly transformed home for the first time and just fall to their knees in tears, you realize how deep it goes.”
TikTok to TV
Her journey to hosting her own show started where many modern stories do—on social media.
“I started posting interior design content on TikTok three years ago, which is actually what led to me getting my own show. TikTok totally changed my life,” she said.
Her comment section quickly became a hub of people who wanted beautiful homes but had no clue where to start. That realization helped her shape the mission behind Design My Space—empowering everyday people to create spaces that truly reflect who they are.
Big Impact, Small Budget
If you think you need a big budget to get that “Pinterest-worthy” home, think again. Tyka’s design philosophy is all about making the most of what you have. Her top tips?
“The biggest tool in our arsenal is paint. It’s probably the least expensive with the biggest impact. I also always tell everybody to hang curtains all the way to the ceiling and make sure they touch the floor—it instantly makes your space look more expensive and glamorous.”
She also recommends being strategic about where you splurge: save on rugs, but don’t be afraid to invest in art and lighting.
“Art is something you can have with you forever. And lighting is the most important element to the space for me.”
“The biggest tool in our arsenal is paint. It’s probably the least expensive with the biggest impact. I also always tell everybody to hang curtains all the way to the ceiling and make sure they touch the floor—it instantly makes your space look more expensive and glamorous.”
Designing with Identity
At the heart of Tyka’s work is the idea that your space should feel like you—not just a recreation of a TikTok trend.
“I see so many homes that lack personality and individuality. If we can bring your heritage into it—your ancestry, your favorite movie, a place you’ve traveled to—that’s what makes a space actually cool and different.”
That intentionality is especially important as a Black woman leading in a space that has often lacked diverse representation.
“I’ve always loved interior design since I was a kid and didn’t see many people at all that looked like me in the space. So it’s special to be in this position and inspire others. I think we’ve always been tastemakers in beauty, fashion, and design—it’s nice to finally get that recognition.”
The Beyoncé Dream
When asked what celebrity home she’d love to design, her answer was instant.
“Beyoncé. Beyoncé. Beyoncé is the only answer," she exclaimed. "I’d love to do her creative space—where she writes music or records. Somewhere that feeds her energy.”
The Emotional Blueprint
Design isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about how you feel. Tyka urges people to decorate with emotion in mind.
“Ask yourself, how do you want to feel at home? Joyful? Relaxed? Energized? For me, I want to feel peaceful, so I use a lot of closed storage to keep things clutter-free. That helps ease my mind and anxiety.”
As for creative blocks? They’re not even on her mood board.
“I’ve never experienced a creative block. Every project is new, and every person is different. That inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries.”
Design My Space Tyka Pryde is now streaming onBET Her andBET.com. If you’re ready to rethink your space—and your sense of self—Tyka Pryde is the name to know.
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